September Newsletter Mrs. Pruitt’s Class Room 206

1. September Newsletter Mrs. Pruitt’s Class Room 206 Spelling News… The 3rd grade spelling format may look a bit different than what you are accustomed to. Students are expected to write their spelling words in their agenda books at the start of each week. We do this for a few reasons. First, handwriting practice is necessary and we use every opportunity we can to improve handwriting. Secondly, transferring information from the board (or books, graphic organizers, anchor charts, etc.) is an important skill, and encouraging students to transcribe the spelling words will give them valuable practice with that skill. I will be checking the spelling to ensure neatness and correct spelling before the agenda book comes home. The spelling test will not be a traditional call out and write down type of assessment. We will be using reading passages that include their spelling words. Questions will be asked about the spelling within the passage. Again, we do this for a reason. The format we will be using closely resembles the question format for the STAAR Reading test your child will be taking in April. We want them to be familiar with recognizing misspelled words in print. We also believe it’s important to use spelling words in context and not simply as rote memorization. Need A Reminder? So, you can’t remember when school pictures are? How about when that class project was due? I’ve got the easy solution with private, class-wide text messages from me. I use the app “Remind 101” that was designed for educators to communicate effectively with parents, students, etc. At last check, we had 11 families signed up for this free service. It’s easy! All you need to do is text @2223 to (407) 378-2227. It will reply with a request for your name, and then you are signed up! It’s a great way to receive reminders about school activities. Be assured I don’t text spam or unrelated information. Thank you! Important Dates 9/27 Individual Picture Day! Question: Why isn’t my child bringing work home? Answer: The bulk of activities we do in class are placed in a subject specific journal that stays at school. My teaching style is highly interactive and hands on. Worksheets will be used, but I prefer to use resources that are creative and engaging, and the interactive journal satisfies that. Journal entries may be graded based on a grading rubric included in the journal and that your child is familiar with.

2. Attendance Counts! As a parent myself, I understand that children get sick. I also understand the very occasional “hooky” day spent with a parent. With that being said, I also want to emphasize the importance of your child being at school. Not only does it maintain consistency in structure and routine, but it also increases their exposure to the necessary skills taught in 3rd grade. Absences create gaps of learning. Gaps in learning can lead to an inability to build on an essential skill and may ultimately cause frustration and confusion. Of course, I will make every effort to re-teach gaps in learning, but please know that your child’s education also is dependent upon frequent exposure and their motivation to succeed. Beginning in 3rd grade, your child is required to take the STAAR state assessment in reading and math, and show mastery of the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), which makes school attendance all the more important. Because much of our classwork is done in groups and through interactive journals, completing work at home may not always be possible. If your child will be out for an extended period of time, please notify me and we can make arrangements to support the instruction during their absence. Thank you for your support. Mrs. Wendy Pruitt Cell (830) 765-7120 School (830) 779-6640 wendy.pruitt@lvschools.net Conference Time: 1:15-2:00 Coming Soon! In the very near future, your child will be coming home with an added folder in their take-home binder. This binder will be their Student Self-Monitoring Progress folder. Essentially, your student will learn how to advocate for themselves when it comes to their learning. Working closely with me, they will track their progress on the skills required for mastery in the 3rd grade, spelling test scores, attendance and other information that may be important to their education. This is an exciting initiative that will improve your child’s academic success, self-confidence, communication skills and self-awareness. More information will be coming soon! Read Read Read • Help Wanted! • Donations of: • Magazines (age appropriate and available to cut up)